Agilent Technologies’ Software Selected by Atheros for Assisted-GPS Testing over the Secure User Plane in Cell

Agilent Technologies’ Software Selected by Atheros for Assisted-GPS Testing over the Secure User Plane in Cellular Networks, Mobile Devices

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 1, 2010 – Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that Atheros has selected Agilent’s Location Server Emulator software for testing Assisted GPS over the Secure User Plane. The software will play a critical role in supporting Atheros’ R&D activities for wireless communications, including both functional and performance testing.

The Secure User Plane for Location (SUPL) technology uses existing infrastructure and standards to transfer location services data over a user plane bearer (e.g., Internet protocol). A centralized SUPL Location Platform (SLP) connects to the system, enabling cellular networks and mobile devices to offer an Assisted-GPS (A-GPS) capability. A number of detailed specifications exist today that enable the use of SUPL in GSM, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, UMB and WiMAX™ networks.

Agilent’s E6965A Location Server Emulator is the first commercial benchtop solution to support SUPL functional test using an over-the-air connection to a SUPL-enabled terminal. The E6965A provides all the elements of the SLP needed to test such devices. When combined with other Agilent test equipment, the software forms a system that provides satellite simulation, cellular base-station emulation and the messaging required for SUPL testing.

“Atheros GPS products with the new FYX location core support SUPL A-GPS features to deliver a faster time to fix,” said Keir Finlow-Bates, software engineering manager at Atheros. “Agilent’s easy-to-use Location Server Emulator software is a valuable tool that automates our testing to verify that the A-GPS functionality complies with the SUPL standards and meets the demands of prominent wireless carriers.”

“The ease-of-use and SLP element support offered by our Location Server Emulator is crucial to moving A-GPS technology forward,” said Joe DePond, general manager of Agilent’s Mobile Broadband Operation. “We are pleased to provide these capabilities to Atheros and to play such a critical role in ensuring successful delivery of A-GPS enabled devices to market.”

For more information on Agilent’s Location Server Emulator software, go to www.agilent.com/find/E6965A